Niger Delta Games: Cross River State Poised to Raise Future Stars
Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr. Lawrence Itanya, has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its commitment to developing young athletes across the region through the Niger Delta Games.
Itanya gave the commendation while receiving the representative of Dunamis Icon Limited, the Project Consultants, and reaffirmed Cross River’s readiness to leverage the Games to identify, nurture, and elevate emerging talents.
‘On behalf of His Excellency, Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and the good people of Cross River State, I welcome you to the carnival city of Calabar. We deeply appreciate the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon for initiating an innovative platform designed to discover, nurture, and project young sporting talents from the Niger Delta region to the global stage,’ Itanya said as he received Project Director Fred Edoreh, who represented the Chairman of Dunamis Icon, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo KSM, during the inauguration of the State Liaison Committee on Monday.
Preparations for the Games have intensified, with key sporting facilities, including the Olympic standard swimming pool, already renovated ahead of the event.
The Cross River State Liaison Committee, chaired by Itanya, will coordinate the state’s preparations and participation ahead of the Edo 2026 Games.
Other members include Hon. Queen Gladys Igut (Commissioner I), Mrs. Rosemary Usang (Director, Sports Commission), Mr. Ettah Emmanuel O. (Media Coordinator), and Mr. David Enwa (Assistant Stadium Manager).
During the ceremony, Edoreh expressed gratitude to the Cross River State Government for its warm reception and support. He formally inaugurated the committee and outlined its mandate, emphasizing collaboration with the Sports Commission on grassroots talent discovery, athlete screening, and logistical planning ahead of the Games.
Calabar, celebrated as the birthplace of football and several other sports in Nigeria, has once again taken center stage in national sports development as momentum builds toward the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games, Edo 2026.
The inauguration marks a major milestone in preparations for what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and impactful sporting events.
Held at the refurbished Olympic‑standard swimming pool, the ceremony underscores Cross River State’s commitment to sports excellence, youth development, and a strong showing at the 2026 Games.
